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The California Codes and Standards (C&S) Reach Codes program provides technical support to local governments considering adopting a local ordinance (reach code) intended to support meeting local and/or statewide energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The program facilitates adoption and implementation of the code, by providing resources such as cost-effectiveness studies, model language, sample findings, and other supporting documentation.

Local Government – Local Energy Ordinance Resources and Toolkit

Local energy ordinances require buildings to be more efficient than the existing statewide standards. In order for an energy reach code to be enforceable, local jurisdictions are required by law to submit an application package that includes the proposed ordinance language and documentation that the ordinance is cost-effective to the Energy Commission for approval prior to filing with the Building Standards Commission (CBSC). The C&S program created the documents posted here to help streamline ordinance adoption.

What Are Local Ordinances?

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In California, cities and counties have the authority to adopt local ordinances, sometimes called “reach codes,” that require projects to exceed minimum requirements established in Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Standards).

Click left to see a map of local governments who have successfully adopted Reach Codes in California. Click below to see a list of adopted ordinances and related data.

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The ability to adopt these ordinances allows local jurisdictions to aggressively pursue their local Climate Action Plan goals, which also align with the California Energy Commission’s goal of achieving zero net energy (ZNE) for all new residential construction by 2020, and for all new nonresidential construction by 2030. In addition, these ordinances align with California’s related policy goals, such as the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32).